Pricing:
The entrees are $10-18. The beer, and there is a considerable selection, is $6-8 per glass.
Distance:
Right on the Highway 101 and close to the 101, Santa Fe Dr. intersection. Takes 10 minutes to get there. Parking is sometimes a problem.
Thoughts:
I like the idea of the Encinitas Ale House. The food is fantastic and the beer selection is second only to Churchill's Pub in San Marcos. The Encinitas Ale House definitely has a "pub" feel to it but there's a California twist to the menu. Rather than just having the usual wings and nacho platter, Encinitas Ale House offers fish tacos, mussels and seared ahi. But never fear beef lovers, they have burgers and pizza too! Lots of the standard classics mixed with options such as "pesto" or "white stone" pizza (both excellent).As I said, the beer selection is fantastic if you're into craft and seasonal selections that pack a hefty punch. If you want large quantities of cheap Coors, you should probably go elsewhere. There are at least two dozen beers to choose from and the menu constantly changes.
So, these are all things that I like about the Ale House. What I don't like (and this is a big one) is how small the place is. Realistically this pub needs to be three times bigger for the number of people that patronize it. It's always packed, there's nowhere to sit and there's very little air circulation.
There's also this sketchy sign-your-name-on-a-board-to-be-next-for-a-table system. Basically, you have to stay on top of the table situation or you're never going to sit down. So if you happen to wander in around dinner time, this makes for both a slow and somewhat exhausting dining experience.
For the record I like popular, crowded places. I get that people want to feel like they're out "doing something." But 6 times out of 10 the Ale House is too crowded for my taste. The beer selection will draw me in but after standing around for twenty minutes drinking, I frequently end up eating elsewhere.
